Approximately 300 Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) students crossed the stage of the Dalton Convention Center on Thursday, Dec. 4, to the cheers of their families, friends and instructors.
After students, administrators and faculty marched into place during Processional and stood for the National Anthem, Invocation was led by Leyner Argueta, program director and instructor of Business Management at GNTC. Dr. Heidi Popham, president of GNTC, began the evening’s proceedings by welcoming everyone and congratulating the graduates.
“In this room, I see not just graduates, but individuals who have overcome unique challenges, demonstrating tenacity and a steadfast spirit,” Dr. Popham said. “Life has a habit of presenting us with unexpected challenges, but you chose not to be defined by those obstacles. Instead, you chose a path of education, personal growth and achievement.”
“Throughout your journey, you have not only acquired knowledge, but you have also developed essential life skills such as adaptability, problem solving and a thirst for knowledge that will serve you well into the future,” Dr. Popham said.
Dr. Elizabeth Anderson, vice president of Academic Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness at GNTC, introduced commencement speaker Jennifer Dixon, GNTC’s Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year.
Through the Rick Perkins Award, the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) recognizes technical college instructors who make significant contributions to technical education through innovation and leadership in their fields. Earlier this year, Dixon was named one of nine regional finalists for the TCSG Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year award for 2025.
Dixon, a Calhoun resident, has served as the assistant dean of Public Service programs at GNTC since 2022. She continues to serve as an instructor in Early Childhood Care and Education, a role she has held since 2018.
“For me education is not just a profession. It’s a calling,” Dixon explained. “Helping someone discover what they are truly capable of is a sacred work.”
“Collectively, my family has over 586 years of service in education,” Dixon said. “From classrooms, lecture halls, Bible classes, night schools and boardrooms, my family understands and appreciates the power of knowledge. It is from this legacy of service, perseverance and belief in human potential that I look out at each of you today because you stand as the continuation of that story.”
Legare Price, associate vice president of Student Success at GNTC, recognized High Honor and Honor graduates. Price also led a special recognition for graduates who are veterans, FBLA Collegiate members, SkillsUSA members and Student Government Association members.
Dr. Anderson presented the graduates, and Dr. Popham conferred the graduates with associate degrees, diplomas and certificates.
Stuart Phillips, vice president of Student Affairs and Student Success at GNTC, served as the graduation announcer.
Susan Bowman, program director, assistant dean and instructor of Health Information Management Technology at GNTC, administered the GNTC Alumni Association Oath prior to Dr. Anderson’s closing remarks.
Listed are graduates that participated in the 2025 Fall Commencement Ceremony showing (from left) the graduate’s name and program of study. This list does not include students that have graduated, but did not participate in the ceremony, or students that registered for the ceremony after the commencement program was printed:
Associate of Applied Science degree
- Holly Adekoya, Health Care Management
- Kailey Allmon, Vascular
- Ruth E. Alonso Velasquez, Vascular
- Angela Alvarez, Adult Echocardiography
- Sujahiler Ambrocio, Radiologic Technology
- Alex Andrade, Surgical Technology
- Joshua Aaron Arnold, Business Management
- Madison Atkins, Paramedicine
- Savannah M. Atkins, Surgical Technology
- Ashlynn Baity, Vascular
- Axxel Banda, Business Management
- Leslie Barajas, Radiologic Technology
- Miguel Bautista Tercero, Cybersecurity
- Sarah Lynn Bearden, Adult Echocardiography
- Anna M. Beck, Radiologic Technology
- Jamie Beasley, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Esmeralda Benitez, Criminal Justice Technology
- Alfonso Blanco, Automation Engineering Technology
- Jennifer Brewer, Business Technology
- Maggie M. Brooks, Radiologic Technology
- Bryce Broyles, Automotive Technology
- Kayce Bunch, Accounting
- Andrea N. Burchard, Business Management
- Jacey E. Burks, Vascular
- Ashton Alandon Burley, Business Management
- Carson Marie Butler, Vascular
- Ethan Cameron, Drafting Technology
- Lans Dakota Carcioppolo, Paramedicine
- Carina Carrillo, Networking Specialist
- Rosa Castillo, Radiologic Technology
- Kary Castro, Business Management
- Nery Castro, Business Management
- Jamie L. Caylor, Business Management
- Amanda Chadwell, Business Technology
- Gretchen Clark, Radiologic Technology
- Laiya Coast, Health Care Management
- Kaylee D. Collis, Culinary Arts
- Anthony R. Cornejo, Instrumentation and Controls Technician
- Leslie I. Cortes, Radiologic Technology
- Lauren Craig, Business Healthcare Technology
- Melody B. Cress, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- McKennah G. Curry, Accounting
- Jennifer Dale, Accounting
- Mckenzie A. Davenport, Medical Assisting
- Beverly Davis, Surgical Technology
- Christopher L. Davis, Automation Engineering Technology
- Rihanna D. Davis, Automotive Technology
- Gayler Diaz-Vasquez, Business Management
- Brandon Nicholas Dickie, Automotive Technology
- Linsay Dixon, Business Management
- Thomas Dobson, Culinary Arts
- Makayla A. Drabik, Criminal Justice Technology
- Praise Eguavoen, Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Maureen Nicole Elder, Surgical Technology
- Omar Espitia, Computer Support Specialist
- Hillary Fink, Adult Echocardiography
- Ariana R. Foster-Moore, Business Management
- Judith Fraire Mendoza, Construction Management
- Azucena Garcia, Radiologic Technology
- Raul Eulogio Garcia, Networking Specialist
- Aydenn Faith Gargus, Radiologic Technology
- Kimberly Gohley, Criminal Justice Technology
- Jacqueline D. Gomez Hernandez, Radiologic Technology
- Dexter Brayan Gonzales-Ramirez, Automotive Technology
- Keily Fabiola Gonzalez, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Roxana Gonzalez, Surgical Technology
- Yonatan Gonzalez-Velasquez, Construction Management
- Taylor Gosnell, Business Technology
- Kylee Jessica Grace, Health Care Management
- Bricen Z. Gregory, Cybersecurity
- Jada D. Hawkins, Web Site Design/Development
- Samantha Hayward, Medical Assisting
- Leslie Hernandez, Business Healthcare Technology
- Maryam Joana Hernandez, Business Technology
- Kayla Elizabeth Hibbs, Radiologic Technology
- Jaycie Hill, Radiologic Technology
- Lexi Rin Hill, Business Management
- Jennifer Hinds, Accounting
- Mary E. Hodge, Business Management
- Trinity Horton, Adult Echocardiography
- Misty Hudson, Business Management
- Shane Christian Hupp, Aviation Maintenance Technology
- Elyssia D. Jackson, Medical Assisting
- Alexus B. Johnson, Medical Assisting
- Darnetta Johnson-Powell, Accounting
- James Troy Ashworth Jolly, Automation Technology
- Andrea Marie Jordan, Medical Assisting
- Betty Ann Kennedy, Criminal Justice Technology
- Sarah C. Kent, Radiologic Technology
- Aaron M. Keyes, Supply Chain Management and Logistics
- Alyssa R. Knott, Vascular
- Christopher Langhorst, Drafting Technology
- Adan Lara Jimenez, Business Management
- Monica Layne, Early Childhood Care and Education
- Mariangelica Ledesma, Radiologic Technology
- Ashley Brianne Lee, Radiologic Technology
- Kara Lockridge, Surgical Technology
- Alejandra Jessica Lugo, Business Management
- Malleylin Maldonado, Adult Echocardiography
- Julia Elizabeth Martin, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Andy Martinez, Automotive Technology
- Yoselin Martinez-Jarquin, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Bianca McClain, Health Care Management
- Macie Grace McGarity, Radiologic Technology
- Alexia McGowan, Vascular
- Martin Meza, Radiologic Technology
- Sarah Meza, Surgical Technology
- Taylor Lynn Madison Moore, Medical Assisting
- Alec Mottashed, Aviation Maintenance Technology
- Andrew Trenton Newberry, Automation Technology
- Karma May Nichols, Criminal Justice Technology
- Jesse Luke Nicholson, Precision Machining and Manufacturing
- Patricia Nunez, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Alexis Ann Olive, Adult Echocardiography
- Tabatha Oney, Marketing Management
- Erik Ortiz, Automation Technology
- Tya Lisette Owens, Radiologic Technology
- Giovanni Pacheco Loredo, Automation Engineering Technology
- Winiferd Dijanni Palma, Criminal Justice Technology
- Lyle Jordan Parent, Automation Technology
- Whitfield Hilton Payne Jr., Cybersecurity
- Ellijah U. Pineda, Automation Engineering Technology
- Harli Elizabeth Ponders, Surgical Technology
- William Quintana, Culinary Arts
- Katie M. Ramey, Business Management
- Janet Rangel, Health Care Management
- Karen Reano-Flores, Radiologic Technology
- Summer Dawn Rediger, Business Management
- Ashley L. Regalado, Cybersecurity
- Joseluis Rendon, Automation Technology
- Roxie M. Riley, Culinary Arts
- Madison Leigh Roberson, Radiologic Technology
- Peyton Jade Robinson, Adult Echocardiography
- Celeste Rodriguez, Marketing Management
- Desirae Rogers, Early Childhood Care and Education
- Enrique Romero, Automation Technology
- A’liyah Kayla Rucker, Business Management
- Stephanie M. Sanchez, Cybersecurity
- Sierra Sanders, Early Childhood Care and Education
- Monique Satcher, Health Care Management
- Jenifer Segura, Surgical Technology
- Stephanie Silva, Radiologic Technology
- Hanna E. Smith, Medical Assisting
- Spencer Spayd, Aviation Maintenance Technology
- Megan Tearany Stansell, Health Care Management
- Amber Stuart, Surgical Technology
- Savannah K. Tanner, Vascular
- Nakesia Thomas, Social Work Assistant
- Samantha V. Thompson, Business Management
- Lindsey H. Tidwell, Business Management
- Clauteka Timberlake, Adult Echocardiography
- Frenda Tomas Matias, Medical Assisting
- Chloe L. Torres, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Eduardo Torres, Automation Engineering Technology
- Shandelle Touzalin, Criminal Justice Technology
- Alexandria M. Towery, Social Work Assistant
- Shelby Brooke Tucker, Business Management
- Rian Turner, Business Management
- Oscar Vasquez Ulloa, Instrumentation and Controls Technician
- Tony Vega, Automotive Technology
- Dallanary I. Velasquez Vasquez, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Alex Devin Vicente Vasquez, Construction Management
- August Skye Wade, Surgical Technology
- Ailsa Webb, Medical Assisting
- Jennifer West, Medical Assisting
- Joel Robert Westbrook, Social Work Assistant
- Erin L. Wiley, Radiologic Technology
- Shirley A. Willis, Surgical Technology
- Andrew Young, Automation Technology
- Artemio Daniel Zavala, Instrumentation and Controls Technician
Associate of Science in Nursing
- Elizabeth Contez Abernathy
- Brenna Lauren Collins
- Carlee Ann Corbin
- Netashna Elizabeth Dianne Ford
- Tjede S. Howard
- Heather B. Lee
- Kimberly A. Lopez
- Sisi Mariela Mendez Jimenez
- Brittany Lashea Moore
- Alaina M. Robinson
- Savannah Grace Watkins
Diploma
- Javino Andres, Automation Technology
- Jertzain H. Arias Jr., Automotive Technology
- Connor Douglas Aycock, Electrical Systems Technology
- Yoni E. Bautista, Air Conditioning Technology
- Toni Bell, Health Information Coding
- Morgan G. Bostic, Dental Assisting
- Robert E. Branum, Cybersecurity
- Jayda Lynne Brown, Practical Nursing
- Krista Bryson, Practical Nursing
- Stephen Perry Byrd, Welding and Joining Technology
- Andrew J. Coker, Air Conditioning Technology
- Jeffrey S. Coker, Air Conditioning Technology
- Jaime Lynne Cooper, Medical Assisting
- Shonna Yvette Cordle, Medical Assisting
- Madeline Grace Crowley, Cosmetology
- Stachia Davis, Business Management
- Breanna Renee Donaldson, Marketing Management
- Evelyn Eve, Medical Assisting
- Kiera Tasha Foster, Dental Assisting
- Adrian Pizano Guzman, Aviation Maintenance Technology
- Danny Howe, EMS Professions
- Madison L. Huskey, Cosmetology
- Jaslen A. Jimenez, Dental Assisting
- Tylan J. Kinnebrew, Automotive Technology
- Xander L. Ledford, Electrical Systems Technology
- Jasmin Leon Reyes, Business Management
- Bryan Lopez, Electrical Systems Technology
- Evy Lopez-Coronado, Medical Assisting
- Selena A. Maxwell, Medical Assisting
- Nasiah McVay, Culinary Arts
- Brayan Medina, Air Conditioning Technology
- Jennifer Odalis Miranda, Business Technology
- Jesus Miranda, Welding and Joining Technology
- Dakota Joe Montoya, Welding and Joining Technology
- Eduardo L. Morales, Welding and Joining Technology
- Nicole Jean Ann Morgan, Cosmetology
- Julissa Navarro, Medical Assisting
- Jennifer Ortiz Casimiro, Criminal Justice Technology
- Makayla LeeAnne Pendergraft, Accounting
- Lisa Redding, Medical Assisting
- Edu Rendon, Welding and Joining Technology
- John Micah Richardson, Culinary Arts
- Maritza Romero, Cosmetology
- Benito Rubino, Welding and Joining Technology
- Arthuro A. Rubio, Perez Electrical Systems Technology
- Danielle Smith, Medical Assisting
- Sara Stephen, Accounting
- Indira Clarissa Teng, Accounting
- Courtney N. Thompson, Cosmetology
- Adam Tucker, Medical Assisting
- Nataly Jaqueline Vigil Rodriguez, Accounting
- Courtney F. Villagomez, Cosmetology
- Morgan Vincent, Cosmetology
- Tayler F. Watson, Dental Assisting
- Eathen Weaver, Welding and Joining Technology
Technical Certificate of Credit
- Jackson Morgan Allen, Aviation Maintenance Technician-Airframe
- Berenise Barajas, Early Childhood Care and Education Basics
- Bianca Reshay Bell, Central Sterile Supply Processing Technician-Adv
- Brileigh E. Biddy, Master Cosmetology
- Olivia L. Bojczuk, Master Cosmetology
- Jordan Bowen, Master Cosmetology
- Heather Bowers, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician
- Trista Boyd, Practical Nursing Certificate
- Shyanne Lynne Bridges, Master Cosmetology
- Braedyn James Brousseau, Aviation Maintenance Technician
- Adam Greyson Brumit, CNA (Nurse Aide Accelerated)
- Virginia Claire Carswell, Medical Coding
- Jessica Casey, Phlebotomy Technician
- Ethan C. Center, CNA (Nurse Aide Accelerated)
- Madison K. Chapman, Clinical Office Assistant
- Debra Cheek, Early Childhood Care and Education Basics
- Alexis Chester, Practical Nursing Certificate
- Emilee Clements, Master Cosmetology
- Kassidy R. Clements, Master Cosmetology
- Maria V. Cordero Arcaya, Early Childhood Care and Education Basics
- Jennifer Cruz, Central Sterile Supply Processing Tech (Basic)
- Sabrina Cruz, Central Sterile Supply Processing Tech (Basic)
- Amy Daniela Diaz-Barrientos, Clinical Office Assistant
- Ashley A. Downs, CNA (Nurse Aide Accelerated)
- Danielle Jewel Echols, Master Cosmetology
- Teiana Ely, Clinical Office Assistant
- Kimberli Escalante Sanchez, Master Cosmetology
- Rylee D. Evans, Gas Tungsten ARC Welder
- Araceli Gann, Logistics Management Specialist
- Tani A. Glass Green, Practical Nursing Certificate
- Oscar Gonzalez, Commercial Truck Driving-Class A
- Alisoanette Yaris Gotay Santiago, Early Childhood Care and Education Basics
- Kailey Hayes, Master Cosmetology
- Lucila Hernandez-Nicolas, Microsoft Office Applications Professional
- Jasmine Hester, Practical Nursing Certificate
- Cody Higdon, Central Sterile Supply Processing Technician-Adv
- Eboni Starr Jackson, Master Cosmetology
- Kimberlee Jaylyn Johnson, Human Resource Management Specialist
- Roberto Carlos Juan-Andres, Catering Specialist
- Autumn L. Knowles, Master Cosmetology
- Lola Odessa Ledford, CNA (Nurse Aide Accelerated)
- Mahogany Little, Salon and Spa Support Specialist
- Lateisha Logan, Central Sterile Supply Processing Technician-Adv
- Marissa Sarahi Lon Morales, Human Resource Management Specialist
- Andrew James Martin, CNC Specialist
- Ayla Martin, Human Resource Management Specialist
- Destiny Massey-Burgin, Early Childhood Care and Education Basics
- Andrea McSears, Practical Nursing Certificate
- Juliana Cecilia Mendoza, Master Cosmetology
- Makayla M. Mendoza, Clinical Office Assistant
- Obdulio Vicente Mendoza, Central Sterile Supply Processing Technician-Adv
- Kimberly Ortiz, Phlebotomy Technician
- Clara Rae Painter, Healthcare Billing and Coding Specialist
- Liliana Perez-Garcia, Phlebotomy Technician
- Leslie Perez-Martinez, Master Cosmetology
- Ashley Amanda Prickett, Practical Nursing Certificate
- Ma.Lourdes Pulido, Early Childhood Care and Education Basics
- Karen M. Rodriguez Melendez, Early Childhood Care and Education Basics
- Patsy F. Sanchez, Practical Nursing Certificate
- Yaniria Santiago Merced, Clinical Office Assistant
- Erin Taylor Seal, Phlebotomy Technician
- Samantha N. Segoviano, Rico Early Childhood Care and Education Basics
- Michelle Iris Smith, Phlebotomy Technician
- Blanca D. Solorzano, Early Childhood Care and Education Basics
- Addison L. Spivey, Clinical Office Assistant
- Marsha D. Stanley, Clinical Office Assistant
- Taylor Marie Toledo, Master Cosmetology
- Yuri Melisa Tomas-Velasquez, Clinical Office Assistant
- Kinsley O. Tushim, Master Cosmetology
- Amariliz Vail-Mateo, Master Cosmetology
- Sylvia Wade, Practical Nursing Certificate
- Katelynn White, Medical Coding
- Skylarr Williams, Healthcare Billing and Coding Specialist
- Anna Grace Wilson, Master Cosmetology
- Kensley Yarbrough, Master Cosmetology
- Chloe G. Young CNA, (Nurse Aide Accelerated)
Georgia Northwestern Technical College provides quality workforce education to the citizens of northwest Georgia. Students have the opportunity to earn an associate degree, diploma or a certificate in aviation, business, health, industrial or public service career paths. This past year, 13,775 people benefited from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs. GNTC has an annual credit enrollment of 8,836 students and an additional enrollment of 4,939 people through adult education, continuing education, business and industry training and Georgia Quick Start.
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